Research Areas

Currently focused research areas:

• Smart Power Grids

• Dynamic and Power Regulation Systems

• Smart Renewable Energy Systems

• Power Grid Operation and Control

• Power Grid Protection and Stability

• Data Analytics and Signal Processing

• Machine Learning

• Electrical Machines and Drive Systems

• Energy Quality

• Energy Storage

• Systems Simulation

• Power Grid Dynamics

• Decentralized and Renewable Energy Resources

• Energy Transition

Research goals

• Increasing intelligence at the edge of the network to enable business models that promote the autonomy of carbon-neutral energy consumers

• Ensuring the stable and reliable integration of decentralized energy resources into networks dominated by power electronics 

• Optimally coordinate the management of technical and economic performance of centralized and decentralized electricity networks, while controlling new sources of uncertainty

• Automate the management and operation of smart networks, through the intensive use of digital twins and big data 

Current state:

We are on the edge of a historic transformation of our energy systems, focused on sustainability and digitalization. Eliminating all fossil fuels and electrifying transportation, however, requires the large-scale adoption of decentralized energy resources by our communities. A smarter electricity network thus appears to be the centerpiece of any strategy for establishing a carbon-neutral economy. The massive integration of renewable energy sources interfaced by power electronics without mechanical inertia, however, requires us to rethink our way of planning, protecting, controlling and optimizing electrical networks of all sizes. Faced with their low controllability, the balancing of the system now relies on sources of flexibility controlled by increasingly connected customers. It then becomes essential to develop new concepts of electrical power engineering, simulation, signal processing and data analysis to facilitate the implementation of an electrical energy system capable of propelling a carbon-neutral economy.

Our mission:

Our mission is to facilitate the emergence of a smart electricity network capable of accommodating and controlling a very large number of decentralized energy resources, with a view to complete decarbonization of the economy around 2050.

Spin off:

The shift to a 100% renewable economy will require a smooth transition to networks dominated by decentralized energy resources, owned by digitally connected, self-producing consumers of electricity. The Chair will contribute to this dual energy and digital transition through active management of flexibility and uncertainties associated with customer resources. The development of automatic operators based on hierarchical controls will bring enormous benefits to utilities, enabling adaptive operation based on actual system conditions. Digital twin technologies will benefit small businesses by providing advanced sensors, artificial intelligence-inspired controls, distributed optimization concepts and decentralized market experimentation platforms. The Chair will also equip students in the 3 cycles with multidisciplinary skills in planning and operation of decentralized intelligent networks, in order to respond to the labor shortage in the energy industry resulting from retirements and The evolving needs of businesses towards more data-driven processes and digital technologies.